In light of the escalating tragedy in the Gaza Strip and the absence of any realistic political horizon, the "two-state solution" file resurfaces once again through the gateway of an anticipated international peace conference, called for by major powers seeking to revive what remains of the Palestinian political project.

The conference does not come in a vacuum, but at a pivotal historical moment. The Gaza war, which has surpassed the limits of humanitarian catastrophe, has revived an old question: Is the two-state solution still possible? If it is possible, who will have the courage to take a brave political step to restore justice?

The last chance... but for whom?

If this conference fails, it will not just be a transient diplomatic failure, but a clear declaration of the demise of the two-state solution as a viable political option, opening the door to more extreme scenarios: from imposing a complete apartheid system, to creeping forced displacement, to an open-ended conflict.

Here, the responsibility of the international community becomes multiplied—not because the solution is ready on paper, but because its alternatives are catastrophic by all standards.

Canada on the line

Canada has long presented itself as a country committed to international law, human rights, and just peace. However, it has remained hesitant to take a clear step towards recognizing the state of Palestine, contenting itself with supporting a "negotiated solution," without actual recognition of a right acknowledged by international law and ratified by the United Nations.

Today, with new international momentum for recognizing Palestine—from countries like Spain, Ireland, and Norway—Canada faces a moral and historical choice, especially as a major country like France has begun to openly announce that it is considering official recognition, even hinting at making this step soon.

Moreover, the joint tripartite statement that brought Canada together with Britain and France, in which these countries expressed their explicit rejection of Israeli policies in Gaza, and called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian aid, has revived hope that Canada will finally side with justice, in a clear and courageous manner.

Not only that, but the new rhetoric from a country like Germany—which has always been very reserved on this issue—serves as an additional motivator for more just and bold positions that can end this historical injustice.

For all of this, Canada must either be an active player in making peace, or remain on the margins of the position, where principles are buried in the soil of interests and alliances.

Why should Canada recognize it?

- Because Canada upholds the banner of supporting human rights, and this banner means nothing if it is not translated into action at moments of truth.

- Because Canada supports justice, and justice starts with recognizing rights, not ignoring them.

- Because Canada is a large and great country, and it is only fitting that it sides with justice, not ambiguity and diplomatic niceties.

- Because recognition does not exclude anyone but rather corrects a balance that has been skewed for decades and opens the door to a realistic solution that ends the cycle of killing and occupation.

- Because recognizing the state of Palestine affirms that Canada does not see Palestinians merely as a "security issue," but as a people with the right to life, dignity, and to determine their own future freely.

- Because justice is not complete unless it acknowledges the right, not when it postpones it to negotiations that do not materialize.

- And because Canada, if it wants to remain an independent and humanitarian voice in this world, must prove that it does not wait for anyone's "green light" to stand with the truth when it is clear, evident, and urgent.

Also, because not recognizing it now means contributing—albeit silently—to the elimination of the Palestinian cause, and creating a new tragedy for a people that deserves to live.

This may open the door to fueling extremism and its spread in a region that cannot bear more violence and despair.

And no one—neither in Canada nor anywhere else in the world—wants the roots of this extremism to deepen further, or for its reach to expand beyond the borders of the region.

All events have proven that resolving the Palestinian issue is the key pillar for stability, prosperity, and healthy coexistence—not just in the Middle East but globally.

Here, driven by our sense of humanitarian responsibility, and believing that a just and comprehensive peace is the only way to elevate humanity and its right to life, and to embark on prosperity and the well-being of peoples, we believe that Canada's participation in this international conference should not be limited to theoretical support, but must translate into a practical political stance—consisting of officially recognizing the state of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy.

This recognition will not merely be a symbolic declaration, but a strong Canadian message to the world, stating that human rights are not confined to slogans and that international law must be respected, not reinterpreted in favor of the stronger.

A last chance for peace stands at the doors.

Will Canada take it?

And will it join the ranks of justice before it is too late?